Dear Partners: Sometimes All We Need Is a Kiss. Just a Kiss.

home insemination Kit

By: Mia Thompson
Updated: Feb. 8, 2023
Originally Published: Dec. 25, 2022

After nearly eight years of marriage and raising two wonderful kids, I can confidently say I enjoy intimacy. I love sneaking in a quick moment before the kids wake up or taking my time when they’re spending the night with their grandparents. Intimacy is fantastic for the soul, strengthens our bond, and serves as a great stress reliever. But let’s not forget: physical affection is about more than just the big moments.

Even in a long-term relationship, sometimes I just want to share a kiss with no strings attached. Not every kiss has to lead to a night of passion. There are times when I see my partner in the other room, playing with our kids, and I feel this rush of gratitude. I’ll glide over and plant a kiss on him. That’s it! It doesn’t mean I owe him anything else later. A kiss can simply be a kiss.

There’s something refreshing about what some call “non-goal oriented touching.” It’s just about enjoying a tender moment—kissing for the sake of kissing, or cuddling just because. Those simple acts of affection can fill me with warmth in a way that a full-on sexual encounter doesn’t always match. Sometimes, I’m not in the mood to bare it all, but I still crave a little spark between us.

I believe relationships thrive on both intimate moments and the everyday sweetness of affection. A kiss can convey so much: from “I’m sorry” to “I missed you” to “You look so good today.” It keeps the desire alive, and we all know that absence makes the heart grow fonder.

A gentle touch can foster feelings of love and security. A long hug can express care. And a couple who flirts in the kitchen while cooking, much to the eye-rolling of their teens, can show their kids what it looks like to stay in love years after the wedding bells.

If you’re someone who yearns to kiss your partner without the burden of it needing to escalate, I encourage you to have that conversation. It might feel a bit awkward: “Hey love, can I kiss you without it having to lead to sex every time?” I had to have this chat with my husband, and now we’re much happier knowing that sometimes a moment can be just a kiss. And if you’re on the receiving end of this discussion, trust me, your intimate life will flourish once your partner feels that emotional connection and acknowledgment.

For more insights into the beautiful journey of home insemination, check out this article on intracervical insemination or learn from the experts at Make a Mom. For additional resources, visit ASRM, which is an excellent reference for pregnancy and home insemination.

In summary, a simple kiss can deepen love without the pressure of sex. It’s essential for couples to embrace both intimate and casual affection, fostering connection and warmth in their relationship.